Heather at the Barre

Release: 1995

The story begins with Heather exaggerating her relationship with a prima ballerina and her own ballet skills in order to impress her Magic Attic Club friends. Her friends recognize that Heather is stretching the truth, much to Heather's discomfort, and they return home early from visiting with her. She decides to visit the attic for answers on how to fix the awkward situation, fearing having to face her friends.

In her mirror adventure, Heather appears as a guest ballerina and the other dancers expect her to star in the important lead role. Eager to live up to their expectations, Heather exaggerates about her abilities. Then comes one regrettable misstep. Has Heather's dream ended just as it was about to come true?

Throughout her adventure, Heather learns she doesn't have to exaggerate her abilities to impress her new friends.

Time: Two weeks after the events of the first book, Winter of the next year

Adventure Location

New York City Junior Ballet Ensemble

Adventure Characters

Madame Chen-The stylish director of the ballet

Jillian-Heather's new friend who loans her ballet shoes and supports her.

Carla-Heather's understudy who badly wants the lead role

Howie-Heather's dance partner, the "prince" in Sleeping Beauty

Book Gallery

Illustrations by Richard Lauter and Ed Tadiello

Heather discovers that family friend Aunt Jantina is playing the lead role in a ballet performance.

Heather lands herself in an awkward situation when her friends suspect she's exaggerating about her Aunt Jantina and her own ballet skills..

Heather is drawn to the ballerina tutu, eager for an opportunity to be a real ballerina.

Heather is assumed to be the lead ballerina of Sleeping Beauty, and Heather plays along with the misunderstanding. The understudy, Carla, badly wants the same role.

Heather receives ballet shoes from Jillian, her new friend, as a loan. Jillian assists her with breaking them in.

Heather attempts to perform the difficult ballet moves as the lead and ends up twisting her ankle due to her lack of experience.

Heather is given a second chance after she confesses her inexperience.

Even Carla approves of Heather afterwards and lends her some tips. They perform well together.

When Heather returns, she and her family are able to attend the ballet.

Heather talks to her friends, and this time offers them backstage passes (for real) to Aunt Jantina's performance.

Collection

• Ballerina leotard, tutu, pink tights, toe shoes, and scrunchie
• Ballet barre and leg warmers
• First aid, crutches, and flowers
• Jacket and dance bag
• Leggings, extra leotard, headband, and slippers

Back to: Heather Hardin